Founder Voices (Episode 10): Dr Sanchia Alasia – Empowering Organisations Through EDI
In this inspiring episode of Founder Voices, I sit down with Dr. Sanchia Alasia—multi-award-winning global Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) practitioner, public speaker, and community change-maker. Over the past 20 years, Sanchia has worked across the public sector, helping organisations create cultures where people feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
She currently serves as Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Transport for London and Managing Director of Sanchia Consulting Ltd, where she advises organisations on embedding equitable and inclusive practices. Her influence extends beyond her professional roles—she has been a councillor in Barking and Dagenham, the borough’s first Caribbean female civic mayor, and twice stood for the European Parliament elections.
Sanchia’s remarkable contributions have been recognised with numerous honours, including being named one of the UK’s fifty most inspirational Black women, winning Outstanding Public Sector Figure at the Precious Awards, and receiving an honorary doctorate in Christian Business and Leadership. She is also a trustee of Endometriosis UK, where she advocates passionately for better resources and research into women’s health.
This conversation, recorded on Saturday, 23 August 2025, explores Sanchia’s journey of leadership,
Founder Voices (Episode 9): Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi – Building Equity Through Social Impact
In this inspiring episode of Founder Voices, I sit down with Jasmine Connon-Ikurusi—a dynamic leader, strategist, and advocate for equity and social impact. As the Founder & CEO of The Sapphire Employability and Wellbeing Academy, Jasmine has spearheaded initiatives across the UK, Africa, and beyond, empowering over 12,000 people through employability training, mental health support, and community development.
Her work spans policy leadership, diversity and inclusion, youth and women’s empowerment, and international advocacy. From advising charities such as the Stephen Lawrence Trust and the Mayor of London Fund to speaking at UN conferences and global summits, Jasmine demonstrates how vision and action can create systemic change for marginalized communities.
This conversation was recorded on Wednesday, 20 August 2025.
Founder Voices (Episode 8): Cristina Cruz – Pioneering Sustainable Tourism for People and Planet
In this inspiring episode of Founder Voices, I sit down with Cristina Cruz—sustainable tourism pioneer and founder of Off U Go!. Cristina has led groundbreaking hospitality projects, from Portugal’s first sustainable hotel, Inspira Liberdade (2010), to the award-winning Belo Monte eco-lodge in São Tomé e Príncipe. Her work blends environmental stewardship with community empowerment, proving that tourism can be both profitable and purposeful.
Now based in London, Cristina advises hospitality businesses on embedding sustainability into their strategy while connecting travellers to experiences that positively impact local communities and protect cultural heritage.
This conversation was recorded on Saturday, 28 June 2025.
Founder Voices (Episode 7): Special Edition for Black Tech Day with Dexter Simms (founder, Black Tech Day)
In this compelling conversation, Dexter shares practical lessons from building community-rooted ventures, demystifies what it means to lead with authenticity, and explores how tech, fashion, and culture can drive real social impact—not just trends. From mentoring young people to launching Black Tech Day, his perspective challenges conventional thinking and highlights the value of representation, creativity, and purpose in shaping the future.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday, 8 July 2025.
Founder Voices (Episode 6): Patrick Dunne OBE — Leading with Purpose and Global Impact
In this compelling conversation, he shares practical lessons from years in boardrooms, demystifies governance and leadership, and explores how boards can be a force for impact—not just oversight. From startup advisory to scaling social good, Patrick’s perspective challenges conventional thinking and highlights the value of clarity, curiosity, and courage in decision-making.
This episode was recorded on Wednesday, 2 July 2025.
Founder Voices (Episode 5): Cristina Ruiz, sustainability strategist and humanitarian consultant
In this thought-provoking and globally focused conversation, Cristina Ruiz shares her journey across the worlds of international development, social innovation, and systems change. Drawing on her deep experience in Europe, Africa, and Latin America, Cristina unpacks the realities of driving impact across borders—and why centring equity, collaboration, and local voice is essential.
We explore what it means to challenge traditional power structures, design for inclusion, and reimagine global value chains through a feminist and decolonial lens. Cristina reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her work, the lessons she's still learning, and the role of connection in creating lasting change.
This episode was recorded on Saturday, 28 June 2025